Jack Birkett

Jack Birkett was a British dancer, mime artist, actor and singer, best known for his work on stage as a member of Lindsay Kemps theatre company, and in the films of Derek Jarman. He was often billed as Orlando or The Incredible Orlando. Most of his bestknown work was done when he was totally blind.

He was born in Leeds. His mother came from a Romani family his father left home when he was six. Birkett attended Coldcotes School in Gipton until the age of 14, developing a passion for ballet. He worked as an artists model for David Hockney and others, before finding work at the Grand Theatre in Leeds in 1950 as a stage hand and lighting technician. Soon afterwards, he moved to London, working as a dancer and singer in touring shows and musicals, including the UK tour of Oklahoma! in 1952.

Source: Wikipedia